By Buziwe Nocuze
Children from poor families will no longer have to stay for hours in uncomfortable, unchanged diapers after non-profit organisations Father Figure and NY91 Over 30’s Social Soccer League started a Diapers Drive.
Nkosinathi Mahlanyana, CEO of Father Figure, said: “In South Africa, six out of 10 kids are living in poverty, with no proper nutrition, no proper water and no diapers. There are kids who wear one diaper the whole day – but we are changing that; the diaper drive is as important as that of the sanitary towels drive.
“No kid should feel uncomfortable because of having to wear wet diapers. We are here to change that and are inviting communities to assist us,” he said.
Talking of the organisation’s collaboration with the soccer league, he said: “We are encouraging fathers’ presence in their kids’ lives. We want to empower men to be present in their kids’ lives. Even if we are not there as the organisation, they must take care of them all the time.”
Their target is to collect 25,000 diapers.
Tumelo Pudumo, spokesperson for NY91 Over 30’s Social Soccer League, spoke of the league’s determination to make a difference.
“The objective of the initiative is clear – to provide essential support and comfort to families who are facing hardships,” said Pudumo.
Andiswa Ncamiso of the Little Conquerors Centre said the diapers they have received will make a huge change.
“We have 20 kids. Most of them are brought by their mothers with only one diaper for the whole day, especially young mothers, but now we will be able to change them four times a day and give them one to take home,” said Ncamiso.
“We are grateful to those who donated – this might look small to some people but the reality is that it is huge.
“Kids who stay longer with wet diapers suffer from diaper rash that makes them uncomfortable and sick, so this initiative is also building the kid’s health,” she said.
Pictured above: Father Figure in collaboration with NY91 Over 30’s Social Soccer League donated diapers to organisations caring for poor kids in Cape Town.
Image source: Buziwe Nocuze
